Specific antibodies against the DNA-binding domain of and immunoassays to determine the presence and functional status of estrogen receptor proteins

Abstract

The present invention provides unique prepared immunogens, site-specific polyclonal antisera and monoclonal antibodies against the DNA-binding domain of estrogen receptor protein, and immunoassay to determine the functional status of estrogen receptors in a cellular sample. Collectively or individually the component parts of the invention provide the ability not only to identify accurately the presence of human estrogen receptor but also the capability of determining whether the estrogen receptor exists in a functional or non-functional state.

What we claim is: 
     
       1. A monoclonal antibody specific for an epitope within amino acid residues 247-261 of human estrogen receptor protein, said monoclonal antibody having binding specificity for a single epitope within the DNA-binding domain in the activated but untransformed (4S) forms and in the activated and transformed (5S) forms of human estrogen receptor protein but which does not bind with the native (8S) forms of human estrogen receptor protein. 
     
     
       2. A hybridoma which produces a monoclonal antibody specific for an epitope within amino acid residues 247-261 of human estrogen receptor protein, said hybridoma comprising an antibody producing cell producing a monoclonal antibody having binding specificity for a single epitope within the DNA-binding domain in the activated but untransformed (4S) forms and in the activated and transformed (5S) forms of human estrogen receptor protein but which does not bind with the native (8S) forms of human estrogen receptor protein; and a tumor cell fused with said antibody producing cell.